FZILX vs VXUS
Fidelity ZERO International Index Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
FZILX has a lower expense ratio. FZILX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FZILX | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.00% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $12.3B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.35% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 2,172 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +16.76% | +14.56% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.32% | +25.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.43% | +20.38% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.07% | +9.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 2, 2018 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FZILX vs VXUS Performance
Fidelity ZERO International Index Fund (FZILX) is a mutual fund from Fidelity Investments (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FZILX returned +25.32% while VXUS returned +25.24%. Year to date, FZILX is up 16.76% versus a gain of 14.56% for VXUS.
Over three years, FZILX compounded at +18.43% per year against +20.38% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +7.07% and +9.32% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, FZILX has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +4.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FZILX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -32.8% for FZILX and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FZILX charges 0.00% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $0 vs $5 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FZILX currently yields 2.35% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FZILX and VXUS share 1705 holdings out of 8305 unique holdings combined, representing a 66.7% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FZILX or VXUS?
FZILX has an expense ratio of 0.00% while VXUS charges 0.05%. FZILX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FZILX or VXUS?
Over the past year FZILX returned +25.32% vs +25.24% for VXUS, so FZILX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), FZILX annualized +7.07% vs +4.84% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FZILX or VXUS?
FZILX has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FZILX -32.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FZILX and VXUS?
FZILX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between FZILX and VXUS?
FZILX and VXUS share 1705 common holdings with a 66.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8305 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FZILX or VXUS?
FZILX yields 2.35% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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